An Historical Weekend in Richmond: Church Hill Holiday Events
Church Hill, or St. John’s Church Historic District, is Richmond’s first neighborhood. It was in this part of town that Patrick Henry gave his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” at St. John’s Episcopal Church here, and the Confederacy’s largest medical hospital, Chimborazo, served thousands of Civil War-wounded soldiers.
Beginning on December 9, an annual tradition continues at the Church Hill Holiday Events. A Vesper’s Service at St. John’s Church starts events on Friday at 7:00 PM. Bagpipers will leave Jefferson Park at 7:30, and will pick up Vesper’s attendees at St. John’s lower entrance at 7:45 and lead revelers in a 15 minute candlelight walk to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Libby Hill Park through scenic neighborhoods, ending with a round of caroling. Three choirs will be on hand to add to the musical ambience. All are welcome at the parade and caroling. “Church Hill Elves” from local families will be on hand to collect money for Chimborazo Elementary School programs and attendees are asked to have a couple of dollars on hand as a “suggested donation”.
On Sunday, the highly anticipated 46th Annual Holiday House Tour will commence at 12:00 PM and will end at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased online, or $20 at the door. Tour 11 homes and one renovation project, and enjoy carolers, horse-drawn carriages and refreshments along the way. Organizers ask that participants wear flat, rubber-soled shoes to protect the homes’ historic wood floors.
Plan to visit the Church Hill Holiday Events this December and take a walk through hundreds of years of US History in a reverent and spirit-filled atmosphere. What a great way to honor the past and enjoy the present – a sampling of the best that Richmond has to offer!
Photo courtesy of Randy Read via Flickr/Creative Commons License